This was recorded on June 14, 1929 in Richmond, Indiana. Dick Spottswood in "Screamin' and Hollerin' the Blues: The Worlds of Charley Patton" describes it as "[p]robably a cocaine song with ambiguous sexual overtones...."


This audio is part of the collection: 78 RPMs & Cylinder Recordings
It also belongs to collection:

Artist/Composer: Charley Patton
Date: 1929-06-14 00:00:00
Source: 78rpm>CD>MP3
Keywords: Music; Acoustic; Blues; Acoustic Country Blues; Delta Blues; 78rpm

Individual Files

Write a review
Downloaded 20,291 times Reviews
Average Rating:

Reviewer: MsCartoonGeek - - December 24, 2005
Subject: No, this isn't the origin of the famous Cream tune...
...but it's amazing nonetheless. I love how Charley Patton is both singing the song and commenting on it at the same time.

Reviewer: bluesbanjoman - - October 25, 2004
Subject: Spoonful Blues
This is one of Charlie Patton's all-time classic tunes. "Spoonful" is unique because first, it was Patton's only tune in open E tuning on his guitar, and next because the song shows us Patton's humorous side. It is also very interesting because in this one Patton departs from the norm of chords used: There are 7 instead of the usual 3. This tune, reportedly, was inspired by some of Patton's friends who used cocaine, and was to tell folks of the evils of using such.
A definite must have for any Blues fan.

Reviewer: nickmovie3 - - January 30, 2004
Subject: Patton's Best
This is Charley Patton's best song.

Reviewer: Jonathan Aizen - - July 10, 2003
Subject: cool!
the sound quality of this recording is, well, about as can be expected for a record from the twenties. it's scratchy, but has a very genuine sound. the song itself is real cool, very twangy, and clearly this style of music has been influential over the last 80 some-odd years. definitely worth the quick download!